Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do not travel to:
Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics trafficking, is widespread. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from traveling to/throughout the above-mentioned areas, but are permitted to travel throughout the rest of Guatemala, including Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla departments.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Guatemala.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Guatemala has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
If you decide to travel to Guatemala:
San Marcos Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel
All U.S. Mission personnel and family members are restricted from traveling to San Marcos Department for personal travel, with the exception of the city of San Marcos. Narcotics trafficking is widespread and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Several municipalities lack police presence and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Huehuetenango Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel
All U.S. Mission personnel and family members are restricted from traveling to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel, with the exception of the city of Huehuetenango. Narcotics trafficking is widespread and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Several municipalities lack police presence and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Zone 18 and Villa Nueva within the Guatemala Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel
U.S. government personnel and family members are free to travel within Guatemala City with the exception of zone 18 and the municipality of Villa Nueva. The following zones in Guatemala City are of elevated concern to Embassy security staff due to crime: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 24. These zones do not overlap with the typical tourism and visitor areas, with the exception of Zone 13, in which Guatemala International Airport is located. Zone 13 should be avoided unless traveling directly to and from the airport itself. U.S. citizens should take appropriate security measures when traveling to and from the airport such as only using vetted transportation services, not displaying valuables or other signs of wealth, refrain from using mobile devices in public, and do not linger outside of the airport. U.S. citizens are advised not to hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand from the airport, hotel taxis, or vetted private drivers.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.
The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be found here.